New advisor to work with local farmers

New advisor to work with local farmers

30 July 2014

THE RSPB has appointed a new conservation advisor to lead its Farming Together with Nature project in East Down.

Philip Carson, who previously worked at the charity’s Belfast Lough reserve, is looking forward to getting out and meeting local people who are making a difference for nature.

A small team of trained volunteers are currently surveying local farms on the lookout for all sorts of species, but they are particularly interested in priority birds like the yellowhammer and linnet.

As the most arable region in Northern Ireland, East Down is regarded as a hotspot for these seed-eaters which have suffered massive declines across the UK due to habitat loss.

The RSPB says the work it is doing alongside local farmers is “clearly playing dividends,” explaining a recovery project between 2006 and 2011 saw yellowhammer numbers increase by 79 per cent on farms where RSPB NI advised farmers on measures they could take to make their land more wildlife-friendly, without affecting the viability of the farm.

Later this summer, the charity will also be working with Butterfly Conservation Northern Ireland and volunteers will be delivering butterfly surveys on a selected number of farms to help build up a picture of the broad range of species on the land.

Describing East Down as a “rich landscape,” Philip explained the area is home to threatened species including the yellowhammer and skylark.

The conservation advisor continued: “The arable landscape is also rich in insects, particularly butterflies, and we’re hoping to spot some of our more rare species like the marsh fritillary when surveying takes place in August.”

Phillip will then provide the findings to the farmers and give them advice on steps they can take to help birds and wildlife on their land.

He will explain key measures include sowing wild bird cover and leaving grassy field margins to provide an over-wintering site for insects and a commuting route for farmland mammals such as mice and shrews.

Philip will also be encouraging farmers to keep sowing spring sown cereals, as the retention of these stubbles over the winter months is a lifeline to hungry seed eating birds.

He added: “Small measures have a cumulative effect and, by everyone doing their bit for nature, suddenly we have conservation happening on a landscape scale.”

Further information on the Farming Together with Nature project is available by contacting Philip on (028) 9049 1547 or email philip.carson@rspb.org.uk.